take revenge

USAGE SUMMARY

'take revenge' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone has done something to you that you feel has hurt you, and you are looking to actively get justice or retribution. For example: "He had wronged me, so I decided to take revenge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take revenge, block all cookies.

Independent

Got to take revenge.

The New York Times

"But I'll take revenge".

The New Yorker

They're able to take revenge.

The Guardian - Film

And may God take revenge".

The New York Times

I wanted to take revenge.

The New York Times

She threatened to take revenge.

The New York Times

I have to take revenge".

The New York Times

Steve decides to take revenge.

The New York Times

… We're not trying to take revenge.

The Washington Post

Isis predictably vowed to take revenge.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take revenge", consider the intensity of the situation and whether a more moderate phrase like "seek justice" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "take revenge" lightly; it implies a deliberate and potentially severe response to a perceived wrong. In situations where a milder reaction is intended, consider phrases like "address the issue" or "seek resolution" instead.

Linguistic Context

"Take revenge" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of retaliating or avenging a wrong. It directly expresses the intent to inflict harm or punishment in response to a perceived offense, mirroring examples found through Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take revenge" is a commonly used expression indicating the act of retaliating for a perceived wrong. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, especially within news and media. While seemingly straightforward, it's crucial to consider the ethical and practical implications of acting on such intent. Alternatives like "seek justice" may offer a more constructive approach in certain situations. Using phrases like "address the issue" may be better suited for milder reactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get revenge

A slight variation with similar overall meaning.

avenge oneself

This alternative focuses on the act of avenging being done by the person who was wronged.

get even with

This phrase implies a desire to equalize a past wrong, often through a reciprocal action.

retaliate against

This phrase emphasizes the act of responding to an attack or injury with a similar action.

exact retribution

This alternative suggests a more formal or forceful seeking of compensation for a wrong.

seek vengeance

This phrase highlights the pursuit of vengeance as a goal.

pay back

This is a more informal way of saying to return a wrong deed.

respond in kind

This alternative emphasizes mirroring the original action in response.

settle the score

This idiom suggests resolving a past grievance, often through retaliation.

give someone their just deserts

This phrase focuses on ensuring someone receives the negative consequences they deserve.

FAQs

How can I use "take revenge" in a sentence?

You can use "take revenge" to describe the act of retaliating against someone for a perceived wrong. For example, "After being betrayed, she decided to "take revenge" on her former friend".

What are some alternatives to "take revenge"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "avenge oneself", "get even with", or "retaliate against".

Is it always appropriate to "take revenge"?

While "take revenge" is a valid phrase, consider the ethical and legal implications of retaliatory actions. Sometimes, seeking justice through appropriate channels is a more constructive approach.

What's the difference between "take revenge" and "seek justice"?

"Take revenge" implies a personal act of retaliation, often driven by emotion. "Seek justice", on the other hand, suggests a more formal and impartial pursuit of fairness, often through legal or institutional means.